2nd Cheadle SCOUT GROUP The Paddock, off Brookfield Road, Cheadle SK8 1EX Registered charity no. 520173
Reports and Accounts for the year ending 31st January 2024
#SkillsForLife
�������������
2nd Cheadle SCOUT GROUP
INDEX TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
for the year ending 31st January 2024
| Page | |
|---|---|
| Statutory Information | 1 |
| Trustees Reports | 2 - 4 |
| Report of the Independent Examiner | 5 |
| Statement of the Financial Activities | 6 - 8 |
| Balance Sheet | 9 |
| Notes to the Accounts | 10 |
INDEX TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
for the year ending 31st January 2024
| Registered Charity | Number | 520173 |
|---|---|---|
| Group Lead Volunteer | Stuart Cox | |
| Group Chair | Will Simpson | |
| Group Secretary | Kate Exley | |
| Group Treasurer | Tom Flanagan | |
| Section Treasurers: | Moseley Beaver Colony |
Kate Cookson |
| Oak Squirrel Drey | Sarah Norbury | |
| Scout Troop | Catherine Cox | |
| Wessex Cub Pack | Louise Nickerson | |
| Abney Beaver Colony | Darren Berry | |
| Mercia Cub Pack | John Davidson |
Page 1
2nd Cheadle SCOUT GROUP
TRUSTEES REPORT
for the year ending 31st January 2024
CHAIRMAN’S REPORT
On behalf of the Trustees of 2nd Cheadle Scout Group, I’m delighted to present the Group’s Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 31 January 2024.
It was another busy and exciting year for the Group, one packed with camps, off-site events, and fun and challenging activities, and towards the end of the year, we set up our first Squirrel Drey, Oak Drey, for 4–5-year-olds which has been a great success to date.
The Group has been successful in growing our membership this year and, at the end of January 2024, we had 208 members excluding our new Squirrels, which is an increase of 11 members over the year.
Being able to deliver a full year’s programme with a strong membership has meant that we have continued to be able to meet our financial obligations through our membership subscriptions and fundraising activities and the Group remains financially solvent.
Membership subscriptions make up the majority of our income; however, the Group’s fundraising efforts make a significant and necessary contribution to our ability to remain in a healthy financial position. This year, we staged our 45th Ram Roast in April 2023 and Sandra’s Bedding Plant Sale the following month.
The Group continues to be governed by its Board of Trustees and, during the year, we held five Group meetings as well as our Annual General Meeting for the year ended 31 January 2023. These meetings were attended by leaders of each Section, and we are often joined by parents of our young members, which provides a range of perspectives and experience to inform the direction of the Group and how we manage it.
For me, the key to the success of the Group is our team of leaders who deliver varied and interesting programmes for their respective sections, which now range from our Squirrels who join us at four years old, and progress through Beavers, Cubs, Scouts and onto our Discovery Explorer Unit, and it is fantastic to see so many of our young members who have been with us through each section until they turn 18.
During the year, we began plans to reinvigorate our Network section, for those aged 18-25 who wish to retain a close connection with the Group and their friends after leaving formal Scouting, and this section launched early in 2024. The Network section will also hopefully encourage our former Scouting members to stay with us beyond Network by becoming Leaders themselves.
The support of the entire Group leadership team has continued to be vital for the Group to function effectively and I’d like to thank my fellow Trustees and the Leaders for their hard work throughout the year. Each Section Lead has continued to be responsible for delivering their programmes and each report into our Group Lead Volunteer.
It is extremely satisfying to see our young members grow as they progress through the sections, and the Group plays an important part in their development. We regularly receive feedback from our members’ parents thanking us for supporting their children to learn new skills and try new tasks, which are good fun and that coming to Squirrels, Beavers, Cubs, Scouts, Explorers and Network is a highlight of their children’s weeks.
I therefore wish to pass on my thanks to all our leaders (all of whom are volunteers) for their dedication to the young people and the Group by putting in countless hours to both plan and deliver exciting activities, as well as helping to run the Group and supporting our fundraising events, which, in my opinion, makes 2nd Cheadle “Second to None”.
Will Simpson Group Chairman
Page 2
2nd Cheadle SCOUT GROUP
TRUSTEES REPORT
for the year ending 31st January 2024
GROUP LEAD VOLUNTEERS REPORT
MAJOR ACTIVITIES AND ACHIEVEMENTS IN THIS FINANCIAL YEAR
Group Membership
Our annual membership count this year is 208 registered members across all sections - Beavers (x2), Cubs (x2), Scouts, and Explorer Scouts including 36 adult volunteer leaders/helpers that give their time freely, throughout the year. Young members wishing to join are added to waiting lists until a place becomes available or offered places in neighbouring Scout Groups within Cheadle or Stockport Districts.
Group Achievements
Our major fundraising event the ‘Ram Roast’ held in April was successful. The community of Cheadle supported the event well which started with a parade through Cheadle High Street before arriving at the Abney Scout & Guide Centre within Abney Park, Cheadle.
The sale of Bedding Plants continues to flourish with excellent plants, baskets and tubs purchased from Sandra’s Bedding Plant Sale.
In November all sections of the Group attended our annual bonfire and firework display, held within our HQ grounds. Refreshments were cooked and served by members of Discovery Explorer Scout Unit.
Our presence at Cheadle’s Remembrance Sunday parade and service grows each year, which is jointly organised with other youth groups and Churches within Cheadle.
In December we held a taster session ahead of opening a new section ‘Squirrels’ the first new section to open at the Group for many years. Squirrels is the youngest in the Scouting family aged 4 to 6 years of age having launched Nationally two years ago. The taster session saw over 50 children attend and was a great success. A new leadership team came together. In January 2024, Oak Squirrels launched starting initially with 12 youth members.
Discussions began about relaunching a Network Unit for members reaching 18 years of age. An adult appointment at that age isn’t for everybody, but members may wish to stay connected and involved whilst continuing to complete some of the higher Scout awards and help out occasionally with Group events. Network age is 18 to 25 years old.
A number of new adult leaders have joined the Group throughout this year and have successfully completed their ‘getting started’ training. This along with existing leaders have completed on-going training modules such as safeguarding, safety and first response courses.
Several leaders completed their Wood badge training, and a number were also presented with Long Service Awards.
My thanks go to members of the Group Trustees who help with the running ‘behind the scenes’ along with support to myself.
During this year, we said goodbye to a long-standing leader Alan Buxton who sadly passed away aged 75. Alan joined as a leader with Abney Beavers in 1986 before becoming Akela with Mercia Cubs amassing 20 years leadership across both section before retiring to North Wales.
Page 3
2nd Cheadle SCOUT GROUP
Sectional Scouting Activities
Another amazing year for members of 2nd Cheadle Scout Group with youth members continuing to enjoy an array of sectional programmes, activities, camps and away days.
Once again leaders produced a variety of innovative, constructive and exciting weekly programmes along with additional activities of camps, pack holidays, walks, badge days, water sports, educational trips, climbing, archery and craft activities.
All sections celebrated Shrove Tuesday, Chinese New Year, Halloween and Christmas with special themed nights.
Moseley and Abney Beaver colonies both enjoyed various food themed nights, backwoods cooking, games, science experiments, craft activities, walks and parties. Abney Beavers held a sleepover camp at Abney Scout & Guide Centre, Cheadle, Cheshire.
Both Beaver colonies came together to celebrate 40 years of Beavers at 2nd Cheadle with a special activity day.
Wessex and Mercia Cub packs both enjoyed various food themed nights, games, craft activities, colditz, Scaletrix, bowling, athletics, science experiments, pioneering team building challenges and backwoods cooking. Camps and pack holidays were held at Linnet Clough Scout & Activity Centre - Mellor, Stockport, Abney Scout & Guide Centre - Cheadle, Cheshire, Bibby’s Farm Scout Activity Centre - Chorley and Guys Farm Activity Centre - Lancaster.
The Scout troop enjoyed pioneering, foreign food cooking challenges, wide games, patrol challenges, trading post, fire lighting, go-kart building, golden boot football tournament, archery, air rifle shooting, canoeing and climbing. An indoor weekend camp was held at Hesley Wood Scout Campsite, Chapeltown - Sheffield, traditional summer weeklong camp under canvas at Llanderfel, Bala - North Wales and an autumn weekend camp under canvas at Linnet Clough Scout & Activity Centre - Mellor, Stockport. Some of the older Scouts completed an Expedition challenge walk over a weekend which included camping overnight at Gradbach Scout Campsite - Staffordshire.
Discovery Explorers have again enjoyed another active year. Nights away included a summer camp at Great Towers Scout Camp & Activity Centre, Newby Bridge - Lake District and a Christmas camp at Clogwyn Scout Activity Centre, Bangor - North Wales. Explorers continue to work towards their Duke of Edinburgh and Chief Scout’s Awards completing overnight self-sustained expeditions towards these. Several Explorers are now supporting younger age sections. Explorers continue to enjoy a variety of social nights activities, highlights include visiting Escape rooms Manchester, caving trips, short evening hikes, golf driving range, canoeing, zip line, abseiling, bike rides, archery and sessions on the local climbing wall.
Across all sections, various activity and proficiency badges were achieved and awarded along with the Chief Scout’s Bronze, Silver, Gold and Platinum awards across all age ranges.
My thanks go to all our volunteer adult leadership team and helpers for providing a fun packed and exciting programme throughout the year.
This year was truly another remarkable year for 2nd Cheadle Scout Group creating memories to last along, friendships and Skills for Life!
Stuart Cox
Group Lead Volunteer
�������������
Page 4
2nd Cheadle SCOUT GROUP
Independent examiner's report on the accounts
Section A Independent Examiner’s Report
Report to the trustees Charity Name 2[nd] Cheadle Scout Group On accounts for the year Charity no 31[st] January 2024 520173 ended (if any)
Set out on pages ------------------------------------- (remember to include the page numbers of additional sheets)
I report to the trustees on my examination of the accounts of the above charity (“the Trust”) for the year ended 31/01/2024.
Responsibilities and As the charity's trustees, you are responsible for the preparation of the basis of report accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 (“the Act”).
I report in respect of my examination of the Trust’s accounts carried out under section 145 of the 2011 Act and in carrying out my examination, I have followed all the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the Act.
Independent [ ~~The charity’s gross income exceeded £250,000 and I am qualified to~~ examiner's statement ~~undertake the examination by being a qualified member of [insert name of applicable listed body~~ ]]. ~~Delete [ ]~~ ~~if not applicable.~~
I have completed my examination. I confirm that no material matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination (other than that disclosed below *) which gives me cause to believe that in, any material respect:
-
the accounting records were not kept in accordance with section 130 of the Charities Act; or
-
the accounts did not accord with the accounting records; or
-
the accounts did not comply with the applicable requirements concerning the form and content of accounts set out in the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 other than any requirement that the accounts give a ‘true and fair’ view which is not a matter considered as part of an independent examination.
I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.
- Please delete the words in the brackets if they do not apply.
Date: Signed: Lee Blackhurst 26[th] Sept 2024 Name: Lee Blackhurst Relevant professional ------------------------------------------------ qualification(s) or body (if any): Address: 21 Whitegates Road Cheadle Stockport, SK8 1EA
Section B Disclosure ~~a~~ Only complete if the examiner needs to highlight material matters of concern (see CC32, Independent examination of charity accounts: directions and guidance for examiners). Give here brief details of any items that the ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- examiner wishes to disclose .
Page 5
2nd Cheadle SCOUT GROUP
STATEMENT OF THE FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES
for the year ending 31st January 2024
| 2024 | 2023 | |
|---|---|---|
| Unrestricted Funds | Unrestricted Funds | |
| £ | £ | |
| Incoming Resources: | ||
| Membership Subscriptions | 28,544 | 25,213 |
| Capitation Paid by Group on behalf of Sections | (9,455) | (8,448) |
| Less Membership Subscriptions to Cheadle & District | (8,707) | (6,840) |
| Net Membership Subscriptions Retained | 10,383 | 9,925 |
| Gift Aid | 4,491 | 3,477 |
| Donations and Grants | 3,181 | 1,529 |
| Bank Interest | 26 | 6 |
| Other Income (Refunds, etc) | 458 | 70 |
| Fundraising (Gross): | ||
| Ram Roast | 13,631 | 14,162 |
| Sandra’s Bedding Plant Sale | 1,914 | 1,967 |
| Group Transfer | 180 | 0 |
| Other Fundraising | 434 | 293 |
| Other Income: | ||
| Camps, Actvities and Trips | 14,457 | 10,743 |
| Neckers, Badges and Book Sales | 386 | 777 |
| --------- | --------- | |
| Total Incoming Resources: | 49,540 | 42,949 |
| ====== | ====== |
Page 6
2nd Cheadle SCOUT GROUP
STATEMENT OF THE FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES
for the year ending 31st January 2024
| 2024 | 2023 | |
|---|---|---|
| Unrestricted Funds | Unrestricted Funds | |
| £ | £ | |
| Resources Expended: | ||
| Youth Programme and Activities | 3,871 | 3,645 |
| Camps, Actvities and Trips | 16,743 | 10,300 |
| Adult Support and Training | 370 | 180 |
| Business Rates | 159 | 333 |
| Ground Lease | 0 | 0 |
| Water | 481 | 481 |
| Electricity | 2,092 | 2,227 |
| HQ Insurance | 4,259 | 3,980 |
| HQ Maintenance | 2,809 | 2,033 |
| Equipment | 1,568 | 3,458 |
| Group Vehicles | 4,089 | 4,391 |
| Neckers, Badges and Books | 3,045 | 1,838 |
| Postage and Stationery | 154 | 66 |
| Broadband, IT and website | 589 | 346 |
| Bank Charges | 384 | 235 |
| Donations / Grants | 97 | 525 |
| Oak Squirrels Start Up Grant | 500 | 0 |
| Fundraising (Gross): | ||
| Ram Roast | 6,688 | 6,018 |
| Sandra’s Bedding Plant Sale | 1,047 | 1,140 |
| ------------ | --------- | |
| Total Resources Expended | 48,944 | 41,197 |
| ======= | ====== |
Page 7
2nd Cheadle SCOUT GROUP
STATEMENT OF THE FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES
for the year ending 31st January 2024
| 2024 | 2023 | |
|---|---|---|
| Unrestricted Funds | Unrestricted Funds | |
| £ | £ | |
| Total Incoming Resources: | 49,540 | 42,949 |
| Total Resources Expended: | (48,944) | (41,197) |
| --------- | --------- | |
| Net Operating Income | 597 | 1,752 |
| Deferred income | 3,453 | 2,453 |
| Depreciation (Building) | (5,863) | (3,311) |
| --------- | --------- | |
| Net Incoming/(Outgoing) Resources for the Year: |
(1,813) | 894 |
| ====== | ====== | |
| Funds at 31st January 2023 | 67,434 | 66,540 |
| --------- | --------- | |
| Funds at 31st January 2024: | 65,621 | 67,434 |
| ====== | ====== |
All activities are classed as continuing. Movements on reserves and all recognised gains and losses are shown above.
Page 8
2nd Cheadle SCOUT GROUP
BALANCE SHEET
for the year ending 31st January 2024
| 2024 | 2023 | |
|---|---|---|
| Funds | Funds | |
| £ | £ | |
| Non-Current Assets: | ||
| Building | 69,524 | 72,835 |
| Propery Improvements | 22,970 | 25,522 |
| Current Assets: | ||
| Bank Current Accounts - Restricted | 0 | 0 |
| Bank Current Accounts - Unrestricted | 33,226 | 34,965 |
| Bank Deposit Accounts | 2,105 | 2,079 |
| Cash | 310 | 0 |
| --------- | --------- | |
| Total Cash: | 35,642 | 37,045 |
| ====== | ====== | |
| --------- | --------- | |
| Total Assets: | 128,136 | 135,402 |
| ====== | ====== | |
| Non-Current Liabilities: | ||
| Deferred Income (Building) | 51,515 | 53,968 |
| Deffered Income (Property Improvements) | 9,000 | 10,000 |
| Cheadle & District Building Loan | 2,000 | 4,000 |
| --------- | --------- | |
| Net Assets: | 65,621 | 67,434 |
| ====== | ====== | |
| Analysis of Funds: | ||
| Unrestricted Funds | 65,621 | 67,434 |
| Restricted Funds | 0 | 0 |
| --------- | --------- | |
| Total Funds: | 65,621 | 67,434 |
| ====== | ====== |
Approved by the Trustees on 26th September 2024.
Stuart Cox
Group Lead Volunteer
Thomas Flanagan Group Treasurer
Page 9
2nd Cheadle SCOUT GROUP
NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS
for the year ending 31st January 2024
ACCOUNTING POLICIES
The accounts have been prepared in accordance with the applicable accounting standards and follow the recommendations in Statement of Recommended Practice: Accounting by Charities (SORP) and have been prepared on a receipts and payments basis.
Except where stated, all funds held are unrestricted being donations or other income received or generated for the objects of the group for its general purpose and not restricted as to their use.
OTHER ASSETS
The land and buildings at The Paddock are leased to The Scout Association Trust Corporation by Stockport Metropolitan Borough Council. The Association holds the premises in trust for 2nd Cheadle Scout Group who pay the ground rent and insure the buildings at a replacement cost of £800,132.
Scouting Equipment is valued at £94,128 and is insured for this sum. This sum also includes two storage containers sited within the grounds of the Abney Scout & Guide Centre, Cheadle, Cheshire.
The Group owns two vehicles - a van and a minibus. The value of both vehicles have been written off in previous year’s accounts and its value is not reflected in the accounts.
TRUSTEES REMUNERATION AND EXPENSES
None of the trustees were remunerated during this or the previous year.
Page 10
like us follow us follow us on follow us on on Facebook on Twitter Instagram You Tube 2nd Cheadle Scout Group YW @2ndCheadle @2ndCheadle @2ndCheadle
email: 2ndcheadle@cheadlescouts.org.uk website: www.2ndcheadlescoutgroup.co.uk Registered Charity No. 520173